Part IV of the Voma Visionary Tour is a very special post. The destination pictured below, Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, was the catalyst for the entire trip. A few short years ago, after I discovered the Reverend Howard Finster’s artwork, I became really interested in visionary artists and folk art environments. Upon researching Paradise Garden, I came across a very important and helpful website, www.narrowlarry.com, run by Larry Harris. Just like how I cannot express the feeling I get when I look at Howard Finster’s work or hear his voice, I also cannot express how invaluable of a resource Narrow Larry is to the public- it makes the obscure, out of the way, secluded, backroad, middle of nowheresville, art and artists obtainable. Larry is as committed to documenting environments and artists as the artists themselves are/were to their own work – and without even the slightest hint of pretension or reticence – with maps and directions to the sites that are clear as the day is long.

Thank you Howard Finster and Larry Harris for opening my eyes.

The entrance to the late Reverend Howard Finster’s home in Summerville, Georgia.

The World’s Folk Art Church

Howard’s woodshop

Howard’s Cadillac given to him by a Professor from Wake Forest University

According the groundskeeper, Howard built this entire chapel without a measuring tape – instead he used two “sticks” of the same length.

Whenever I’m on the road, I do everything in my power to not succumb to the convenience of fast food chains, and instead seek out local restuarants – you know the ones that just say “Family Restuarant” or “Rick’s,” or what have you. That’s where you find the real chiggin.’

I hate to blow my wad on the first photo, but here it is: The Ave Maria Grotto located on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, AL. Aside from the actual Grotto pictured above, the grounds feature over a hundred sculptures and structures all designed and built by Brother Joseph Zoetl from 1912-1958.

27 feet high, 27 feet wide and 27 feet deep

Tiny city

St. Bernard Abbey Cemetary, the final resting place of all the monks of the Abbey.

I found this neat, little terrarium growing wildly by a creek behind the cemetary.

Not much to see in Cullman outside of the grounds of the Abbey. I was especially out of luck being there on a Sunday during church hours.

Yup… Cullman, AL, everyone.

So it was a beautiful October day in rural Alabama and I’m cruisin’ down some country roads on my way to Georgia, maybe listening to The Allman Brothers or something, checking out the sky and then BAM!!! This bullshit pops up outta nowhere, a Walmart “Neighborhood Market” – run that through your head a few times and tell me how it sounds. I will keep my curse-words to a minimum, but passing this paradoxical atrocity had me seeing red and almost ruined my whole day. It’s not even in a “neighborhood” – it’s in the middle of nowhere on the cheapest land they could probably find. The Waltons are chomping at the bit for America’s small town pharmacies to give up and then at the first disgruntled yelp from some Susie Q who now has to “drive an hour to nearest drugstore,” who’s there to offer a convenient, corporate solution under the guise “Neigborhood Market?” WALMART.

We recently hosted, New Jersey native, Neil O’Brien, for his solo exhibit. Neil drove down to Texas with a car full of artwork, including paintings, signage, mixed media, illustrations and screen prints exclusive to his Texas debut.

Show runs through March 22nd. Acommonhouse@gmail to make an appointment.

Our upcoming exhibit will feature the art work of New Jersey native, Neil O’Brien. He’s been steadfastly working in his studio towards this solo exhibit that will include paintings, collage work, mixed media, screen prints and signage. We’re honored to host him in the gallery this month. Here’s a look into his world.